What you can expect from the University
When you are enrolled as a research student candidate, you are entitled to a number of services from the University. You can expect to:
- Be allocated to an academic Faculty/School appropriate for your research topic;
- Be given clear, concise and accurate information on the regulations and procedures governing the research degree for which you are enrolled and regulations including but not limited to, plagiarism, intellectual property, health and safety, the complaints process and any ethical issues which may arise during the course of your research;
- Subject to progress, to be enrolled each year and the University to keep an accurate record of your progression;
- Be allocated a unique computer username that will allow you to access the on-site and remote IT services of the Library and Information Centre; Be given an e-mail account that will allow you to send research-related e-mails free of charge and access your online student record;
- Have an opportunity to audit Master’s level modules, appropriate to your research, subject to available capacity and the agreement of your supervisor, the programme director and the module deliverer.
What you can expect from your Faculty/School
You can expect the academic Faculty/School to which you are assigned to:
- Provide an induction event and student handbook which specifies your rights and entitlements as well as your responsibilities. This should include the progression criteria against which your progress will be assessed, and also contain a description of to whom to complain in the event of things going wrong; You will also have information on the roles and responsibilities of key academic and administrative staff involved in the academic progress and monitoring of research students in the Faculty/School, where applicable;
- Ensure you are studying in an academic field within which academic staff members have research expertise;
- Allocate a supervisory team which at a minimum includes:
- A first/primary supervisor who has expertise and knowledge in your particular field;
- A secondary supervisor, who may sometimes act as an academic supervisor, but can always provide you with generic advice on the research process and can ensure cover for any absences of your first/primary supervisor. Ensure procedures are in place for effective supervision and monitoring, in accordance with University regulations and its guidance;
- Normally* Provide workspace within the Faculty/School; use of a networked PC and local username that will allow you to access email and use Microsoft Office Software; access to facilities, equipment and specialist support appropriate to your research topic (a deposit may be required which may be set off against the costs of the breakage or misuse of equipment). This might include laboratories, specialist equipment and the assistance of laboratory technicians; access to generic research support facilities (e.g. use of the phone and fax, photocopying and the Inter-Library Loan Service) and opportunities for subject-specific training (where identified as necessary to complete the research degree);
- Inform you and provide training in the Health and Safety requirements associated with your study;
- Provide information and opportunities to engage in the academic life of the Faculty/School (e.g. attendance at research seminars, team meetings). Some Faculties/Schools may have a mandatory requirement to attend such events.
*There may be changes to provision during exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances mean without limitation exceptional circumstances through pandemic or disease control or required by intervention guidance and best practice issued by a public authority beyond the control of the University.
What we expect from you
The University is committed to providing you with a high quality, stimulating and supportive environment in which to undertake your research. However, you should accept that postgraduate research study requires a high level of commitment, self-discipline and personal time management from you. In particular, we expect you to:
- Enrol annually and check your enrolment details are accurate using the Intranet;
- Pay your fees promptly when requested (you can see your student details via the Intranet);
- Familiarize yourself with the regulations and procedures of the University and your Faculty/School including but not limited to plagiarism, data protection, health and safety and ethical considerations which might arise in the course of your research; be aware of the University Regulations for the degree award you are enrolled for;
- Attend the University’s Induction Events and any Induction Event organized by your Faculty/School or research committee;
- Take responsibility for your own professional and personal development; identify your training needs jointly with your supervisors early on in your programme and attend all training courses necessary, and keep a record of training. You should re-assess your training needs at regular intervals with your supervisors throughout your candidature;
- Follow the Health and Safety procedures of the University and those related to your activities within your Faculty/School;
- Engage in the academic community of the University, Faculty/School and Research Group, as applicable; engage with the academic community within your specialist field. This may involve joining relevant learned societies and attending their conferences;
- Take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties with your supervisors as early as possible, however trivial they may seem;
- Keep your supervisors informed about the extent of any paid employment. You are expected to be aware and comply with the University regulation on the employment of full-time students, if applicable;
- Be aware and meet your research and administrative responsibilities to your sponsor, if applicable;
- Remain aware of the date when submission of your thesis is expected. Be aware of the date on which your maximum candidature expires and submit your thesis before then.
Disclaimer:
Failure to meet your obligations during your candidature may result in the decision not to allow you to progress to the next stage of your research and/or the decision to require you to withdraw from your studies.
